Systems and methods for training a batter

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for training a batter, using a batting training system. A batter training system can include a pad, a cover, a first sheet and a second sheet. The cover can encapsulate the pad. The cover can comprise one or more hoop members, wherein the hoop members can have an attachment mechanism. The cover can have one or more hook and loop fastener materials strips attached to it. The attachment mechanism can be a clip wherein the attachment mechanism can connect to a chain link fence, a wall with fasteners. A batter training system can further comprise a first sheet and a second sheet wherein the first and second sheets can a have a top flap and a bottom flap. The top flap, and the bottom flap can have one or more hook and loop fastener strips attached to it wherein the top flap and bottom flap can be removably attached to the cover&#39;s one or more hook and loop fastener strips securing the first sheet or the second sheet to the cover and pad assembly. The first sheet can comprise a plurality of baseballs and/or softballs and the second sheet can further comprise a plurality of numbers evenly spaced. Further embodiments consist of methods of using a batting training system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/688,883 filed Jun. 22, 2018. The U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/688,883 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods, and systems for training a baseball or softball batter to swing correctly. In particular, to batting training system that corrects the batter's swing position, and swing path at impact which results in creating the correct muscle memory for the different type of pitches thrown at a batter.

Description of Related Art

So as to reduce the complexity and length of the Detailed Specification, and to fully establish the state of the art in certain areas of technology, Applicants herein expressly incorporate by reference all of the following materials identified in each numbered paragraph below. The incorporated materials are not necessarily “prior art” and Applicants expressly reserve the right to swear behind any of the incorporated materials.

Various swinging aids, harnesses, batting tees and the like have been developed for use by baseball and softball batters to train them to swing the bat properly and on the right swing plain for different pitches they will see facing a pitcher. The key to successfully hitting a baseball or softball is the ability to make proper contact with the pitched ball at the different positions within the strike zone, and developing the correct muscle memory to remember the swing path upon impact. A successful batter will have the power or force which is generated by squarely impacting the pitched ball with the bat at the exact moment within the thrown ball to change the direction of the ball and getting it into play. The speed of the pitched, if hit correctly, aids the batter in a longer hit ball. Thus, a powerful, high speed swing employing the proper swing mechanics, and developing the correct muscle memory can help the batter's consistency and power at ball impact.

There is no other aspect of baseball or softball that depends more on subtle alignment then the swing. Proper batting technique can provide a mechanical advantage to hit the ball square and get on base. Very small adjustments in position can have a very large impact on the likelihood of the batter connecting and creating power behind the swing when connection happens. Proper hitting mechanics begin with the correct stance and weight distribution in the lower half of the body. Legs should be slightly wider than the shoulders, knees slightly bent, and the hips square underneath and directly in line with the shoulders. The elbow of the rear arm (right arm for a right-handed batter) should be up and away from the body, and the lead arm down and near the body. During the swing the batter should take a stride with the forward leg toward the pitcher. As the batter begins the swing and moves forward, the batter's weight should land softly on the front leg, driving the arms and body towards the incoming ball. The front elbow will move down with force and drive the baseball swing connecting with the ball, and then following through.

In order to get the maximum power when striking the ball, the batter's weight must shift to the rear leg at the start of the swing, then shifted during the swing at a point combined with the batter's arm swing, wrist snap, and forward body movement ending in a position with bat on the other side of the batter's body. If the batter's does not have the proper technique he/she will struggle hitting the ball, and if the ball is struck the power at impact is significantly diminished. For baseball or softball players, the best way to work on proper hitting mechanics is to hire a swing coach that will meticulously watch the batter's swing and make sure the batter is forming good habits, and the correct muscle memory. Coaches usually throw thousands of pitches to the batter trying to pay close attention to batter's swing mechanics, and proper body position while they are throwing the ball. However, with current methods, and training systems the coach usually throws the ball putting him/her in the wrong position to watch whether the batter is swinging correctly. In addition, the batting coach throws hundreds of balls adding time to stop, pick up the balls, and then returning to practice.

Accordingly, there exists a continuing and unaddressed need for a batting training system that allows the coach to watch the batter's setup and swing style, and then quickly adjust the batter to the correct position, and then repeat the correct setup without having to throw thousands of pitches. In addition, there is a need for a device that allows batters to setup the swing correctly, and build the correct muscle memory at impact allowing the batter to quickly adjust to different pitch locations quickly which will translate into a more powerful swing, and a more consistent hit.

Applicants believe that the material incorporated above is “non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referred to for purposes of indicating the background of the invention or illustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believes that any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essential material” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), applicants will amend the specification to expressly recite the essential material that is incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects disclosed herein relate to a systems and methods for training a batter, using a batting training system. In embodiments, a batter training system includes a pad, a cover, and a first sheet and a second sheet. The cover can encapsulate the pad creating a front face, a back face, a top face, a bottom face, and a thickness. The cover can comprise one or more hoop members attached to its top face, wherein the hoop members can have an attachment mechanism removable attached to it. The cover can have one or more hook and loop fastener materials attached to cover's bottom face, and its top face. The attachment mechanism can be a clip wherein the attachment mechanism can connect to a chain link fence, a wall with fasteners, or the like. The pad can be manufactured from high or low density foam, or other suitable material that can keep its form when hit by a bat, yet soft on the batter's hands to not injury or crush the batter's hands at impact.

In embodiments, a batter training system can further comprise a first sheet and a second sheet wherein the first sheet and second sheet can a have a front portion, a back portion, a thickness, a top flap and a bottom flap. The top flap, and the bottom flap can have one or more hook and loop fasteners attached to it wherein the top flap and bottom flap can be removably attached to the cover's one or more hook and loop fastener strips securing the first sheet or the second sheet to the cover and pad assembly. The first sheet can further comprise a plurality of baseballs and/or softballs that can be removably or permanently attached to the front portion. The second sheet can further comprise a plurality of numbers evenly spaced and be removably or permanently attached to its front portion. In other embodiments, the baseballs and/or softballs can be combined with the numbers.

In embodiments, a method of training a batter using a batting training device comprises hanging a mat so that a strike zone is set at the batter's height wherein the strike zone has a bottom zone and a top zone wherein the bottom zone is placed at the batter's knee height. The batting training device has plurality of baseballs or softball pictures and/or numbers within the batter's strike zone. Placing the batter's front foot in front of the mat and preparing to hit the mat by getting in the batting stance with a bat raised to hitting position. The batter can then load his/her body in the swinging position and then swinging towards the batting training device. The batter can hit the batting training device so that the bat is flat against it at contact. The batting training device can have a plurality of baseball/softball stickers, and/or numbers or a mixture of the both to ensure the batter's hands are in the correct contact position for different pitches thrown. After each swing the batter can pause, get set back up in the proper batting stance, and then repeat the swing.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front-top view of a batting training system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a front-bottom view of a batting training system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates a front-top view of a batting training system with a second sheet attached in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrates a front-bottom view of a batting training system with a first sheet attached in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3A illustrates an isometric view of a batting training system with a first sheet attached in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3B illustrates an isometric view of a batting training system with a second sheet attached in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an example of a batting training system in place in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of use of a batting training system accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates sides view of another embodiment of a batting training system on a hitch system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of a batting training system for multiple batting on a stand system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates side view of another embodiment of a batting training system for multiple batters on a stand system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view and a front view of another embodiment of a batting training system on wheels in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a process flow diagram depicting a method of use of a batting training system in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring generally to FIG. 1-3B, illustrates some different views of a batting training system wherein the batter training system is shown generally at 100. A batting training system 100 comprises a pad 102 (not shown), a cover 103, a first sheet 118, and a second sheet 120. The pad 102 (not shown) can be square, rectangular, circular, or the like in shape wherein the cover 103 can substantially take the same shape as the pad. The pad 102 can be manufactured from such as, but not limited to, high and/or low density foam, polyurethane foam, plastics, rubber, or the like wherein the pad is resilient enough to take a batter hitting it with a bat, yet soft enough to not hurt the batter's hands when hitting. A cover 103 can substantially surround and encapsulate the pad 102 wherein the cover and the pad assembly can have a front face, a back face, a top face, a bottom face, and a thickness with sides wherein the cover and pad 102 can have a thickness between 0.25 inches and 5 inches, more preferably between 1 inches and 4 inches, and still more preferably approximately 3 inches. The pad 102, and cover 103 can have a width and height between 1 foot and 6 feet, more preferably between 2 feet and 5 feet, and still more preferably approximately 3 feet. In certain embodiments, the cover 103 can have a zipper, buttons, snaps or the like on its bottom face, sides, top face, or back face to enclose the pad within the cover allowing the pad to be easily removed and replaced if damaged.

The cover 103 can further comprise a hook and loop fastener material 104, 106 on its top face, and on its bottom face wherein the hook and loop fastener material can be permanently attached with thread, and high strength seam stitching with sewing techniques such as, but not limited to, multithread chain stitch, lockstitch, chain stitch, overlock stitch, zigzag stitch, or the like. The thread can be, but is not limited to, nylon, polyester, Kevlar, bonded nylon, or the like. The hook and loop fastener 104, 106 material can be Velcro®, snap together fasteners, buttons and slits, snap buttons, or the like. In certain embodiments, the hook and loop fasteners 104, 106 can be on the cover's sides, and can be attached to the cover by buttons, snaps, rivets, or the like.

In embodiments, the cover 103 can further comprise one or more hoop members 108 wherein the hoop members can be attached to the cover near or at the cover's back top edge to allow the batting training system to sit flush against a fence or wall. In certain embodiments, a hoop member 108 can be located on the top back edge, side back edge, bottom back edge, or front edge wherein each side can have one or more hoop members on each side. The hoop members 108 can be, but are not limited to, nylon straps, nylon rope, strap hooks, webbing, or the like. The hoop members 108 can be attached to the cover 103 by for example, thread, snaps, hoop and look fastener, buttons, or the like wherein the preferred attachment method is reinforced sewing thread. In certain embodiments, the hoop members 108 can be omitted from the cover, and the batting training system 200 can be set on a stand, or laid against a wall. The hoop member 108 can have an attachment mechanism 110 removably attached or permanently attached to it wherein the attachment mechanism can be, but not limited to, a clip, a carabiner, threaded connection link, s-hook, snap close hook, or the like. The attachment mechanism 110 can be attached to a fence as shown in FIG. 4 or can be attached to a wall with hooks at varying heights to accommodate varying batter's heights.

In embodiments, the first sheet 118 and the second sheet 120 can have a front face, a back face and a thickness wherein it can substantially cover, or partially cover the cover 103 wherein the first sheet and the second sheet can be removable attached or permanently attached to the cover. The first sheet 118 and second sheet 120 can substantially match the cover's shape wherein the first sheet and the second sheet can have a thickness that can be between 0.125 inches and 1.5 inches, more preferably between 0.25 inches and 1 inches, and still more preferably approximately 0.325 inches. The first sheet 118 and second sheet 120 can be manufactured from for example, nylon, neoprene, Kevlar, carbon fiber, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or the like. The first sheet 118 and second sheet 120 can further comprise a top flap 112, and a bottom flap 114 wherein the top flap and the bottom flap can have hook and loop fastener material 113, 115 attached to it, wherein the hook and loop fastener material can be attached to the first sheet 118 and the second sheet 120 by for example, thread, snaps, hoop and look fastener, buttons, or the like, wherein the preferable attachment method of attaching the hook and loop fastener material is by reinforced sewing threads. The top flap 112 and the bottom flap 114 can fold over onto the cover's top and bottom's faces hook and loop fastener material 104, 106 and removably attach itself.

In embodiments, the first sheet 118 can have a plurality of numbers 116 removably or permanently attached to its front face, wherein the numbers can have three rows and three columns wherein the numbers can be 1 through 3 in the first row, 4 through 6 second row, and 7 through 9 on the third row. The plurality of numbers 116 can be attached to the first sheet 118 by for example, hook and loop fastener material, tape, glue, thread, snap, buttons, or the like. In certain embodiments, the numbers 116 can range from one to fifty in rows and columns of for example, by two, three, four, five or the like rows, and two, three, four, five or the like columns. The plurality of numbers 116 can have a backing which can be in the shape of, for example, square, circular, rectangular, or the like, that can be joined together as one complete piece, or can be each their own individual pieces and attached to the first sheet 118. In certain embodiments, the plurality of numbers 116 can be printed onto the first sheet 118, or can be removably attached, or can be permanently attached from another material such as nylon, or plastics.

In embodiments, the second sheet 120 can have a plurality of baseballs 122 and/or softballs removably or permanently attached to its front face, wherein the baseballs and/or softballs can be organized in three rows and three columns. The plurality of baseballs 122 and/or softballs can be attached to the second sheet 120 by for example, hook and loop fastener material 124, tape, glue, thread, snap, buttons, or the like wherein the second sheet can have the accommodating hook and loop fastener material to attach the baseballs to. In certain embodiments, the baseballs 122 can be placed anywhere on the second sheet 120 to accommodate the batter's height, and distance standing from the ball. The plurality of baseball 122 and/or softballs can be printed on, etched on, drawn on, or the like on a backing material that can be in the shape of, for example, square, circular, rectangular, or the like, which can be joined together as one complete piece, or can be each their own individual pieces and attached to the second sheet 120. In certain embodiments, the plurality of baseball or softballs 122 can be printed onto the second sheet 120, or can be removably attached, or can be permanently attached from another material such as nylon, or plastics.

Referring to FIG. 5, shows an example of a batter 200 using the batting training system 100. In embodiments, a batter 200 can place his/her lead foot 206 in front of the batting training system 100 to ensure the bat hits the batting training system. The batting training system 100 can be adjusted up or down on a fence, or wall to set to the batter's height. The batter 200 can swing the bat 204 contacting the batting training system 100 so that the bat is flat up against the batting training system. The batter can hit the baseballs/softballs 122 and/or numbers 116 to help keep the proper batting positions, and to practice hitting specific locations simulating different pitches that will be thrown at the batter.

Referring to FIG. 6, shows a side view of another embodiment of a batting training system 100 attached to a car's hitch system 300. A batting training system 100 can be attached to a car's hitch receiver 302 wherein the batting training system can further comprise a backing 306 and a hitch 304. The backing 306 can support the batting training system 100 wherein the backing can be attached to the hitch 304 through for example, welds, bolts, or the like. The hitch 204 can be inserted into the car's hitch receiver 302, or in other embodiments the batting training system can be removably attached to a car's bumper. The hitch 304 and backing 306 can be manufacture from, for example, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or the like. The backing 306 can substantially cover the entire back surface, or partially cover the back surface of the batting training system 100.

Referring to FIG. 7 through FIG. 8 shows a top view and a side view of another embodiment of a batting training system 400 for multiple batter usage on a support stand 402. In embodiments, a batting training system 400 can have one or more sides 402 which comprise of a cover 103, and a pad 102. Having multiple sides allows for multiple batters to hit up against the batting training system 100 at the same time. The batting training system 400 can be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, or the like allowing the multiple batters easy access to hit each side. The batting training system 400 can surround a support stand 500 wherein the support stand can comprise of legs 502, support pole 504, one or more support brackets 508, and backing 506. The legs 502 can be attached to the support pole 504 wherein there can be three or more legs to support the whole batting training system 400, wherein the legs can be manufactured from, for example, carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. The legs 502 can be foldable or can be removed for easy transportation. The legs 502 can be attached to the support pole 504 by welds, support glides, bolts, rivets, or the like. The support pole 504 can be attached to the support brackets 508 wherein the support brackets can be attached to the backing 506. The support pole 504 can be attached to the support brackets 508 by welds, bolts, rivets or the like. In other embodiments, the support brackets 508 can have a threaded end that can be screwed into the support pole 504. The support brackets 508 can be attached to the backing 506 by bolts, thread, rivets of the like. The support pole 504, support brackets 508, and backing 506 can be manufactured from material such as, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or the like having a high tensile strength so that the support stand 500 can take a constant beating from the batter's swing force. The backing 506 can partially or fully cover the batting training system 400 back surface wherein the batting training system can be attached to the backing by bolts, hook and loop fastener material, rivets, a hoop member 108, or the like. A batting training system 400 can be one complete unit that wraps itself around the backing 506, or can be separate batting training systems 100 as shown in FIG. 5 that can be attached to the backing and removed when there are individual batters in need of training.

Referring to FIG. 9, illustrates a side view and a front view of another embodiment of a batting training system 100 on a wheel base system 600. In embodiments, a batting training system 100 can be removably attached to, or permanently attached to a wheel base system 600 wherein the wheel base system can comprise of a backing support 604, a wheel base 606, and wheels 602, which can allow the batter to easily move the batting training system 100 around the field, or in the batting cage. The wheels 602 can be foldable, and provide a stand or base for the batting training system 100 to sit on while in use. The wheels 602 can be for example, casters, rubber wheels, plastic wheels, or the like. The wheels 602 can be attached to the wheel base 606 by bolts, welds, or the like wherein the wheel base 606 can be manufactured from stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or the like. The wheel base 606 can be attached to the backing support wherein the backing support can be attached to the batting training system 100 by for example, by bolts, hook and loop fastener material, rivets, a hoop member 108, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 10, shows a process flow diagram depicting a method of using a batting training system 100. At step 702, hanging a batting training system so that the strike zone is a batter's height wherein the strike zone has a bottom zone, and a top zone wherein the bottom zone is placed at the batter's knee height. The batting training system can have a plurality of baseballs and/or softballs, and/or numbers displayed within the strike zone. At step 704, placing the batter's front foot in front of the batting training system wherein the batting training system can be the strike zone of the batter. At step 706, the batter prepares to hit the batting training system by getting in the correct batting stance with a bat raised to it the proper hitting position with the front elbow up, and the back elbow down. At step 708, loading the batter's body, and then swinging towards the batting training system so that the bat is flat against the batting training system at contact. While hitting against the batting training system the batter can use batting gloves to alleviate the slap against the hands when the batting training system is stuck. At step 710, using the strike zone with the plurality of ball pictures to ensure that the batter's hands are in the correct position ever time at contact and with different pitches thrown. At step 712, repeating setting up the correct batting position, and swinging at the batting training system. At step 714, building the correct muscle memory by building the proper foundation and swing mechanics by practicing on the batting training system.

It is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about” means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A batting training system comprising: a pad; a cover; and a first sheet, and a second sheet;
 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the pad is encapsulated by the cover wherein the pad and cover combination has a front face, a back face, a top face and a bottom face.
 3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises one or more hoop members that are attached to the cover, and one or more hook and loop fastener material strips which are attached to and substantially located on its bottom face, and its top face.
 4. A system according to claim 3, wherein an attachment mechanism removably attached to the hoop members, wherein the attachment mechanism is a clip.
 5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the pad is manufactured from high and/or low density foam.
 6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet having a front portion, a back portion, a top flap, and a bottom flap, wherein the top flap, and the bottom flap have one or more hook and loop fastener material strips that can be attached to the top flap and the bottom flap back portion.
 7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the first sheet further comprises a plurality of pictures which are attached to the first sheet front portion, wherein the picture are baseballs and/or softballs.
 8. A system according to claim 6, wherein the second sheet further comprises a numbering system evenly spaced both vertically and horizontally along the front portion of the second sheet.
 9. A method for training a batter which includes the steps of: hanging a batting training system so that a strike zone is at a set batter's height wherein the strike zone has a bottom zone and a top zone wherein the bottom zone is placed at the batter's knee height wherein the batting training system has plurality of baseball and/or softball pictures and/or numbers within the batter's strike zone located in different areas of the strike zone; placing a batter's front foot in front of the batting training system; preparing to hit the batting training system by getting in the proper batting stance with a bat raised to its proper hitting position; loading the batters body, and then swinging towards the batting training system, hitting the batting training system so that the bat is flat against a front surface of a batting training system at contact; and using the strike zone with the plurality of baseball and/or softball pictures and/or numbers to ensure that the batter's hands are in the correct contact position for varying pitches the batter will see.
 10. A method of training a batter according to claim 9, wherein the batting training system include a cover, a pad, a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the cover encapsulates the pad, and the first sheet is removably attached to the cover, and the first sheet can be removed, and the second sheet can be removably attached to the cover to enhance the batter's training with different strike zones at different locations of the batting training system.
 11. A method of training a batter according to claim 10, wherein the cover and the pad are relatively pliable and can maintain its shape to enhance the batter's feel at contact. 